Sir, - My cri de coeur on the demise of the Russian Gateau (December 21st) fell on most humane ears. Since then, the house has been inundated with confectionery. Kylemore Bakery promptly cleared the decks and put on a special, final production run of the eponymous cake, which landed millennium-sized and by personal delivery in our kitchen on Christmas Eve. Then, a few days ago, out of the depths of Mayo, there arrived by wellwrapped post a different (and delicious) Russian Gateau from a donor, W.J. Duffy Ltd, Ballina, "Family Bakers since 1904".
For these my heartfelt appreciation. There is a God, after all! - Yours, etc.,
Oliver McGrane, Marley Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.